Causes of left-sided abdominal pain in children

Written by julie ackendorf

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Abdominal pain on the left side is a common ailment in children. In most instances this pain is harmless, but sometimes left-sided abdominal pain in children can be a symptom of a more serious condition.

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Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis can be a cause of left-sided stomach pain in children. Gastroenteritis is caused by a virus that enters the intestinal tract and can be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhoea and/or fever.

Constipation

Constipation can be a cause of left-sided abdominal pain in children; it is not accompanied by vomiting or fever.

Trauma

Left-sided abdominal pain may be the result of trauma. If a child has been hit in the stomach, or had an object impact the abdomen, trauma may be the cause of left-sided abdominal pain.

Ovarian Torsion

A female with left-sided abdominal pain may have ovarian torsion. Often seen in young girls, this condition occurs when blood flows into but not out of the ovary.

Testicular Torsion

Adolescent males with left-sided abdominal pain may have testicular torsion. A child with this condition has decreased blood supply to the testicle, causing it to become swollen and painful.